MICE Industry Celebrates First Annual North American Meetings Industry Day

Today, Meetings Mean Businessand other industry leaders are bringing together thousands at approximately 65 events for the first annual North American Meetings Industry Day (NAMID). This nationwide day of advocacy spotlights the substantial value derived from meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions.

NAMID is an expansion of the annual Canadian National Meetings Industry Day, an ongoing effort of 20 years. The MMB coalition members, in addition to industry leaders across in Canada and Mexico, are hosting and driving events in communities all across their respective countries.

The day, Michael Dominguez, MMB’s co-chair (and senior vice president of corporate sales at MGM Resorts International), said in a statement, will communicate “the critical role in connecting people and driving positive business results through face-to-face interaction...We are demonstrating how meetings build personal relationships, drive positive outcomes and support strong communities.”

NAMID, David Peckinpaugh, fellow MMB co-chair and president of Maritz Travel, said, is a “true testament to the strength of not only the industry’s leadership but also its grassroots supporters. Across North America, thousands who work in the industry and know firsthand its value and strength are standing up to make sure that elected officials, business leaders and other decision makers understand the important role face-to-face meetings play in generating business success, creating jobs and driving economic growth.”

“Today is not just about executing an event. It is about raising awareness of the power of meetings in shaping local communities; economically, environmentally, socially and intellectually,” added Stuart Taylor, Canada Chapter business manager for MPI. “In 2012, meetings in Canada contributed $27.5 billion to our gross domestic product (GDP) - approximately 1.5 percent of Canada’s total GDP. But meetings don’t just propel the economy; when you gather people of similar interests from far and wide new solutions are found, new ideas innovated and even greater productivity discovered.”

Specific examples of NAMID activities around the United States include...

· In Nevada, Caesars Entertainment is working with the other major players in the meetings and events industry to bring awareness of NAMID through a press rally in Las Vegas at 10 a.m. PT. The rally will include a proclamation by the Clark County Commissioner officially declaring today North American Meetings Industry Day.
· In Wisconsin, Meetings & Incentives Worldwide is joining forces with local partners, clients, and associates to host an educational session for industry leaders in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Earlier this month, M&IW petitioned Scott Walker, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, and Tom Barrett, Mayor of Milwaukee to issue proclamations in support NAMID – both of which were approved.
· In New York, NYC & Company is taking to social media and has issued a new video on why face-to-face meetings are so critical. The company has also placed a new ad to promote NAMID in the heart of the city – Times Square. Later today, American Express Meetings & Events will host an “Educate to Elevate” event, including a series of continuing education and enrichment sessions.

Learn more about NAMID at www.MeetingsMeanBusiness.com. Follow and participate in the digital conversations at @MeetingsMeanBiz on Twitter and by using the hashtags #MMBusiness with #NAMID. Download the MMB app, available on iPhones and Android devices, to access industry resources and to stay updated on NAMID activity as it develops over the course of the day.